Latching Oxygen Valve Using Permanent Magnet for Ambulatory Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oxygen conserving devices for respiratory gas delivery are limited by power source longevity, complexity, and inefficiency in oxygen flow control, particularly for ambulatory patients, as they require frequent battery changes and are sensitive to inhalation pressure, leading to unreliable oxygen supply.
Innovation Solution
An electronic oxygen conserving device with a valve system using a permanent magnet and coil to control oxygen flow, powered by minimal energy pulses to open and close the valve, and a sensor to monitor respiration for precise gas delivery, allowing for various flow settings and extended battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical oxygen conserving devices are used, then oxygen flow can be controlled during inhalation, but the power supply runs down quickly requiring frequent battery changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed electrical energy to activate the permanent magnet, which periodically opens the valve during inhalation phases. This intermittent activation rather than continuous power consumption significantly extends battery life while maintaining reliable oxygen delivery during the necessary periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional electromagnetic valves with a permanent magnet-based latching valve system. The permanent magnet creates a magnetic field that mechanically latches the valve open during inhalation without requiring continuous electrical power, substituting mechanical latching for continuous electrical actuation
2Use of energy by moving object
If pneumatic oxygen conserving devices are used, then no power source is needed, but the device is sensitive to inhalation pressure causing unreliable oxygen supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a permanent magnet as an intermediary between the low-power electrical signal and the valve mechanism. The permanent magnet amplifies the weak pulsed electrical signal into a strong magnetic field capable of reliably actuating the valve, mediating between the energy-efficient control system and the mechanical valve system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by using a permanent magnet that generates a strong, stable magnetic field. This magnetic field parameter remains consistent regardless of inhalation pressure variations, providing reliable valve actuation unlike pneumatic systems that directly depend on inhalation pressure
3Weight of moving object
If compressed oxygen systems are used, then portability is improved, but the storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the oxygen delivery parameter from continuous flow to pulsed flow synchronized with inhalation. This parameter change allows the same oxygen quantity to last longer by delivering it only when needed, effectively extending the usable capacity of the portable oxygen supply
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback from breath detection to control oxygen delivery timing. By detecting inhalation and triggering oxygen release only during inhalation phases, the system maximizes the utilization of available oxygen supply, extending effective usage duration from the same oxygen quantity
4Quantity of substance
If liquid oxygen systems are used, then storage capacity is improved, but the device requires frequent refilling and LOX evaporates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous monitoring of breath patterns and continuous readiness of the oxygen delivery system. The permanent magnet valve system remains in a latched state ready for immediate activation, eliminating gaps in functionality and ensuring continuous reliable operation without interruption for refilling during the oxygen supply duration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device operates efficiently with low power consumption, extending battery life and ensuring reliable oxygen delivery, independent of oxygen volume or flow setting, with a conservation ratio of 2:1 to 6:1, allowing for longer use of oxygen supplies.
Implementation Method 1
A permanent magnet is disposed in the valve body and is adapted to magnetically engage the valve element when the valve element is in the open position to maintain the valve element in the open position
Implementation Method 2
a valve system using a permanent magnet and coil to control oxygen flow
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic oxygen conserving device for controlling a flow of oxygen from an oxygen storage container to a user. When a conserve setting is selected, a flow of oxygen travels through an oxygen regulating valve that has an open state and a closed state. A temporary electrical charge or current is provided to the oxygen regulating valve during the initial inhalation of oxygen by an individual, opening the regulating valve opens to delivery oxygen to the user. The oxygen regulating valve remains open even after termination of the electric current. After a predetermined timed delivery dose or upon exhalation by the individual, a subsequent temporary electric charge or current is provided to oxygen regulating valve, closing the regulating valve closes to prevent delivery of oxygen to the user, thus conserving oxygen. The oxygen regulating valve remains closed even after termination of the subsequent electric current.